Free Republic

“Almost everybody wants to be a hero. … Do the thing so improbable, so mind-blowing, that you’ll never be forgotten.” – From Hero in the Zone: Dwight ClarkDuring my 10th-grade year, 1974-75, Dwight Clark was one of the most noticeable 12th graders to walk the halls of Garinger High School in Charlotte, N.C. He was 6 foot 4, oblivious to his good looks, bustling with good energy, and everywhere. Especially in sports. He starred on our baseball team, our basketball team but shined brightest as quarterback of our football team, the Garinger Wildcats. With all the attention, you never got...

Many in Hollywood regularly applaud abortion storytelling. So when one of their own – filmmaker and Oscar voter Kieth Merrill – declined to watch a film about a teenager’s abortion journey, his actions challenged their narrative. Merrill especially captured the attention of Eliza Hittman, who wrote and directed the abortion-centric film he refused to see: Never Rarely Sometimes Always. Released last year, the story follows 17-year-old Autumn as she travels to New York City to obtain an abortion without parental consent. Hittman publicized Merrill’s decision when she posted an email from him to social media where he recognized abortion as...